7 Wonders*

In 7 Wonders, you step into the role of a leader of one of the seven great cities of the Ancient World. Your objective is to gather resources, establish commercial routes, and assert your military might. The game is not just about managing resources but also about building an architectural wonder that will stand the test of time.

Gameplay Mechanics

The game spans three ages, each involving a unique deck of cards. Players start each age with seven cards, choosing one and passing the rest to a neighboring player. This draft continues until each player has six cards for that age. Cards are revealed simultaneously, and may require resources to play or provide various benefits, such as resource production, military strength, or victory points.

Card Development and Strategy

7 Wonders primarily focuses on card development. The cards have diverse effects, ranging from immediate benefits to long-term advantages, discounts on future actions, and purely victory point-based rewards. Each card is played as soon as it's drafted, requiring players to be mindful of their own strategy and the choices of their neighbors. The direction of card passing alternates with each age, adding a layer of complexity and strategy in monitoring both adjacent players.

Player Variability

While earlier editions of 7 Wonders were marked for 3 to 7 players, the game includes an official variant for two players, allowing for a broader range of group sizes to enjoy the game.

Conclusion

7 Wonders stands out for its combination of strategic depth, quick gameplay, and the historical theme of building one of the great cities of the ancient world. It's a game that appeals to both casual gamers and those who enjoy more complex strategy games.